In a victory for dogs and cats everywhere, pet stores in Toronto will no longer be able to sell dogs and cats, as theToronto city council voted to crack down "puppy mills" that have been supplying the dogs and cats to these stores.

The city council in Toronto voted this week to close a loophole that made it possible for the unlawful puppy mill breeders to sell the animals they raise through local pet stores. Good for Toronto! Now if we can only get cities in the United States to follow suit!

While many pet stores have voluntarily stopped selling dogs and cats, the Toronto council voted to make it mandatory. Under the new bylaw, the only way a pet store can provide pets is in partnership with an animal rescue organization.

"The goal of this motion is to stop animal cruelty," Scarborough Centre Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker told Inside Toronto. "We know we will never shut down puppy mills. But hopefully through this we can stop these fly-by-night operations."

Comments

September 27, 2011 @06:47 pm

by — Ivan

That's great news Ariel. Maybe you'll be the catalyst for the nation-wide movement. doG speed to your initiative! Know that we all howl in solidarity.

September 27, 2011 @06:40 pm

by — Ariel Wulff

Ivan, we are gathering signatures for a ballot initiative in Ohio that will ban Ohio dog auctions, which is where puppy millers do their trading. Ohio has an historically very poor record on animal welfare. Puppy Milling has become the 'crop of choice' for Ohio's Amish community.

September 27, 2011 @05:13 pm

by — Ivan

And to think as it stands that over 2 million of my brothers and sisters are euthanized each year for lack of homes! Glad to see Toronto taking a stand. I'd now love to invite all American pound dogs, cats, and concerned citizens to join me in taking a bite out of those enterprises who profit at our expense and misery. Shouldn't Toronto's action be a national policy in the United States of America? I want to hear your howl on this!